Although it was once thought that large, central computers, known in the IT world as mainframe technology, would long ago replace more modern technological solutions, statistics show that they process an incredible 90% of all world transactions at the moment.

However, another statistic reveals that only 7% of experts dealing with these technologies are under the age of 30. This disparity raises an important question: why do young IT professionals tend to opt for other technologies, even though mainframe solutions are still dominant and efficient? The root of the problem lies in the above-mentioned misconception, which has proven to be completely unfounded, as the demand for mainframe domain experts continues to grow.

In search of new talents, Croatia has emerged as a potential new source of experts in this field, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology in Osijek (FERIT) could now become a center for the development of new generations of IT experts. This initiative is being supported by one of the world’s leading technology giants, IBM, which has recognized FERIT as a key institution for nurturing young talent.

A significant role in the whole story belongs to the Croatian biz-tech company CROZ, which has been developing mainframe expertise since its inception and has become one of the leading service providers in the region. Their experience in creating synergy between industry and academia has resulted in CROZ experts becoming a bridge between IBM and FERIT from Osijek.

“We are known for having a young team. Three of our mainframe team members are former FERIT students, including two Filips, and our newest team member Mia, who also wrote her thesis on mainframe technology. I believe this academy is just the beginning, in addition to student education, hopefully, we’ll launch research and development projects in the mainframe domain – projects aimed at modernizing the systems supported by this platform, especially AI on the new mainframe. I also hope we won’t stop at mainframe technology, but that we will leverage and develop all IBM technologies, and potentially get involved with initiatives like FERIT’s Artificial Intelligence Center,” says Vjekoslav Jadrešić, CEO of CROZ.

The first concrete step towards the realization of the FERIT Mainframe Academy took place in March this year, when FERIT, in cooperation with IBM, organized the CODE-a-thon competition, which showed exceptional success. This event served as a prelude to the official launch of the Mainframe Academy, which was celebrated in Osijek on Friday, November 15th, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration in educating experts about this sophisticated technology.

 “We wanted to take this successful collaboration a step further,” says FERIT Dean, Prof. Dr. Tomislav Matić, adding that the next step will be the introduction of the elective course “Introduction to Mainframe Technology” for students of computer science and information technology programs.

In the long term, FERIT plans to enrich its course portfolio with new elective courses and lifelong learning programs in the field of mainframe technology. “Our focus is primarily on the involvement of our students, to give them the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills. In the next step, we plan to attract students from other faculties, as well as those from outside Croatia”, emphasizes Dean Matić.

The goal of the FERIT Mainframe Academy is to make the faculty the leading institution for the mainframe technology in the region. The invitation to participate is open to all companies working in this sector, and Dean Matić emphasizes that such collaborations are of great importance not only for FERIT but also for the entire region. “Many companies came to Osijek thanks to the experts educated by FERIT. In the long run, we hope this trend will continue and the Academy will achieve similar successes,” he concludes.

At the official launch of the Mainframe Academy at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology (FERIT) in Osijek, IBM representatives pointed out that this cooperation represents a significant step forward in the development of technological talents in Croatia. IBM is one of the leading technology partners in the Croatian market, on whose technological solutions many large clients base their work. „It is a fascinating fact that IBM has been present in this region since 1935, back when the data processing machines relied on punched cards, electric typewriters, and special-purpose clocks. One of the first users was the Banovina of Croatia and the factories “Desalit” and “Herman Pollak and Sons”. IBM is a pioneer in the field of research and innovation, with numerous patents and achievements. Today, we are focused on software and services, including Mainframe, AI, cloud computing, and more. Although it is not our first and only cooperation with faculties in Croatia, this one is special. Through the Mainframe Academy, we will involve all interested companies and users in Croatia and through a structured and advanced program attract young talents and open space for companies to grow and develop. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who actively worked on the development of the academy and the entire collaboration. I would especially like to thank Dean Prof. Matić, Vice-Deans Prof. Topić, and Prof. Barukčić and other colleagues from FERIT, colleagues from CROZ who are co-founders of the Academy, other clients and partners, and guests who are with us today. And especially, I greet and thank the FERIT students who came to support this program and encourage them to engage even more in all activities,” said IBM Croatia Country Manager Tomislav Balun.